What is Christian music?
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April 7th, 2008 at 4:16 am
From a born again christian point of view, I believe that it is very important that there is sufficient discernment when listening to christian music and lyrics.
There are so many so called ‘christian music’ nowadays but unfortunately not all do praise the Lord Jesus Christ.
Christian music should first and foremost be for the praising of our Lord Jesus Christ and not man.
It should be totally dedicated to the Lord and the message should feed the spirit and not the flesh.
Christian music should Glorify God and not the musicians or performers.
April 7th, 2008 at 8:18 am
I think nowadays, it’s really hard to find “christian music”!! So many worldly music styles have entered the church today! You can easily find “christian” rock, rap, raggae, sega, house…what so ever! Is this music really praise and worship? Today, the artists and singers are taking all the glory for themselves…none of it is going to God! True praise and worship according to the sound doctrine doesn’t need to please or attrack people! It’s simply a pure expression of our heart!
It’s sad to say that it’s very hard today to find TRUE christian music that glorifies God! …
April 8th, 2008 at 1:54 am
The simple fact that there exists a nameable sub-genre labeled ‘Christian music’ shows how Christianity has become an isolationist sub-culture.
As long as well-meaning, ill-advised Christians attempt to create for themselves a safe bubble of culture seemingly unpolluted by ‘the world’ they remain merely reactionary: hopelessly naive and ineffective to anyone but their own fickle, undiscerning audience.
It’s a sad truth that these musicians are now trying to create their own alternative entertainment (sometimes under the laughable and desperate title of ‘ministry’ in a vain attempt to spiritualise turgid talentless garbage).
The world of ‘non-Christians’ remains oblivious and unharmed.
April 8th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
firstly ill begin by saying its really sad how man has changed christian music into something less spiritual, not allowing you to be in that place, where you can feel the lords grace upon your life. its really sad.
For me christian music is music that when u begin to listen to it, it touches your heart deep down, although you may be struggling and its hard , but are able to rise from that because of the message thats in that song and where it leads you spiritually. its an overwhelming and humbling feeling .
April 8th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
People make music. There are many different kinds of people and many different kinds of music.
But what distinguishes true Christian people from everybody else? They are fundamentally and absolutely different. In fact, they are the only people who have life that is truly life! They are people born of the Spirit of God into eternal life. They have been regenerated, created with new hearts that hunger and thirst for righteousness.
Therefore the music that Christians make should be fundamentally and absolutely different to the music made by everybody else. Even the most casual observer will notice that this is not the case. But the most casual observer will also notice that most people who profess to be Christians are not fundamentally and absolutely different to everybody else. In fact, the distinction has almost entirely disappeared. So it should not come as too much of a surprise that ‘Christian music’, which in itself is an absurd term, is totally compromised to fulfil the shallow entertainment needs of totally compromised Christians.
Because of the powerful, evocative nature of music, it is used very effectively by Satan to influence, corrupt and blind the minds of people. In fact, some theologians agree that upon studying Scripture, particularly Ezekiel 28:11-19 and Isaiah 14:9-14 (KJV), Lucifer was created by God with musical instruments as a part of his angelic body. Therefore, he was created to make music for the express purpose of worshipping and glorifying God. But when he said in his heart that he would make himself like the Most High, God banished him from heaven and threw him to earth. Ever since he has prowled there like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Satan, whose every word and deed is lies and deception, has taken advantage of the power of music to deceive mankind. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 11:14 that Satan “masquerades as an angel of lightâ€. So be careful not to believe that all beautiful and stirring music comes from a good and benevolent source. That is not always true.
The original purpose of music was to worship and glorify God. It is why God created it. In fact, all that has been created was originally made for God’s glory, but the fall of man and the introduction of sin to the earth has corrupted all creation and brought the curse of death upon it. Without getting too doctrinally heavy, we need to be aware that the core of the heart of man is sinful and rebellion against God is in our very nature. Even as Christians, if we are not vigilant we can allow this sinful nature to demonstrate itself in what we willingly expose ourselves to. Music is a classic example. I love music, always have. Anyone who knows me well would have identified it as the pre-eminent idol in my life. Subsequent to my conversion, God by his grace has systematically gone to work to remove the idols in my life. Music did not escape the chop, though I tried every negotiation tactic in my armoury! I cherished my music so much that it felt like I was ripping out my most vital, life-giving organ and putting it on the altar. But in that act of submission to the Spirit of God within me, I discovered a freedom that none of my favourite albums had ever been able to give me. What I was in fact trying to find in the music is what Jesus has given me freely. Not too many people know just what an extraordinary miracle that was for me, but in my heart I will always know and I thank God and praise him for it.
To conclude, I believe that there is nothing that compares to worshipping God in spirit and in truth. This is not only a musical expression, but an outpoured life in reverence and awe of the God of our salvation. It is an indescribable honour to stand in the presence of God and worship him from a humble and contrite heart. This is what pleases our Saviour and what edifies the hearts of true worshipers, because it is God alone who receives all the glory. I think that most of what is labelled ‘Christian music’ today is devoid of spirit and truth. I believe the Body of Christ has lost connection with the Head, who is Jesus himself, and has departed from the foundation of the gospel of Christ crucified and turned aside to fables. How is it possible to worship a God with whom you have lost connection? You end up singing songs to a figment of your own imagination. This is what most modern ‘Christian music’ has become. It is in effect, idolatry. But God is a jealous God and is faithful to his elect. I believe we will see a return of the true spirit of worship to the Church, as Christ restores his bride from the deviant she has become, to the bride without blemish that he will return to claim when he descends from heaven in glory. Until that day, I trust that God will raise up musicians like King David with a heart that yearned to worship, adore and magnify him in song. And I pray that the feeble worship of my lips will be the product of a heart that is held captive by the powerful hand of God.
April 8th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
i believe christian music is voices and instruments put together in spirit and truth to praise and worship.it is in itself a ministry. i used to do “CHRISTIAN” rap up until i found out that hip hop is a demon. God does not need our skill but our heart, you can live in a garage ut tha will neer make you a car..God can make his own music and he does not need the world’s music that has been made “good”. a good thing aint a God thing people…
April 8th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Hi Ben. Who told you hip-hop is a demon?
April 9th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Hip-hop is not a deamon for sure. However the spirit behind it might be the one of the ruler of this world…
April 9th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I am even more confused Oliver!
When you say ‘it’ what are you referring to exactly?
What do you think of 1 Corinthians 10:23 - 31?
Can this apply to us today or is it purely contextual and out of date?
Lee
April 10th, 2008 at 11:58 am
In my opinion, God created music, so that the angels can worship him! not christian music or worldly music! however, with lucifer’s downfall he has distorted music which was created beautiful into an instrument that destroys and keep men away from God.
Therefore, us christians, we have had to go back to the pure form of music as God had always wanted, where we allow God to inspire us by his spirit into creating music that exalts his name and lift him in the highest! where by his spirit he puts words in our hearts to create new songs and melodies that is pleasing to him.
April 10th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Hello,
talking about christian music? Everything is happening within our heart, as far as I’m concerned I love praising the Lord and it is the only reason why I love singing. A song can be beautiful but if my heart is not pure before the Lord, I feel like I have nothing to thank him for and nothing would come out from my heart. I’ve been learning how to play guitar and I told a brother about it, I told him that if I’m learning, it is to play at home, it’s something I want for myself, he understood but teased me by saying: “then you will learn to play for the Lord.”
I decided to start because I love it and because I was tired of listening to any CD in the morning, I want to express my heart, to sing and play for the Lord. I cannot do something with no purpose.
Christian music must have just one purpose and I don’t need to tell you what it is.
April 10th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I completely agree with you Lee and Caroline !
In my opinion, there’s no christian music or worldly music ! What is christian music exactly ? Some christian words with a nice music ? Inspired songs ? A way to bring young people in the church ? We can’t even answer that questions…! The only thing I know is that when I worship the Lord, I have a special relationship with Him and that’s the most important ! And if I can touch the people around me, that’s even better !
April 11th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Hey guys!!
I believe that Chrisitan music must bring us to a place where we can glorify the Lord and surrender our lives. If it is not doing that and just pleasing to our flesh, coz we like the beat etc….then we need to look at why we are listening to that music.
Firstly, the music, glorifying God etc means “Worship” right, thus, worship is an attitude of the soul and not a song you sing. Worship, is to bow down, which is to surrender our lives and hearts to the authority of God. God has to be the centerpeice of our praise and we need to bow down before and give Him that honor He deserves. Check Psalm 95:6, “Come, Let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our maker.”
To sum up, worship should be something that comes from deep within us. We express it through our hearts and lives as we make God the center of our lives, by focusing our hearts, minds, lives, souls, wills, plans etc upon Him.
So guys, let’s guard our lives and the deposit which is in us and becareful, and as Stu said in an above post, Satan was the chief musician in heaven, therefore, he will use music to destroy Christians. If the Christian music you are listening to today, does not lead you to a place to glorify God and abondon your life, but it is just pleasing to your ears…..then examine your heart and take the example of “Kay” in the above post!!!
As we sing in Sunday School, “Oh becareful little ears what you hear! (clap, clap)”
April 13th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I think that the Rock and Hip hop and Pop, Raggie and all those so called Christian music is something that people hold on to when they are born again and when they leave the world. I think it is one of the biggest things for them to let go of once they are Born again!
Because worldy music is fulled with emotions and I think that worldly music feeds your emotions and flesh! So some people just want to hold onto it!
April 13th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Hi Olivier What is your oppinion about Christian music?
April 13th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. (1 Corinthians 10:23)
Let us live in the light. Why do we keep things in our lives that have no benefit to us or those around us? Why are we wasting time? Nothing we do will condemn us because of the all-encompassing price that Jesus paid, but we need to learn what is beneficial. As Christians we don’t have time to play around. Jesus is coming back and we must be prepared.
Examine yourselves and ask, “Why do I listen to my music?”
April 17th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Hey Marc, you can say that about anything and everything!
You are mistakenly equating ‘living in the light’ (moral and spiritual obedience) with abandoning things that in some cases have no bearing on either moral or spiritual life whatsoever. Romans 14 covers this.
What spiritual or moral benefit does a new car have? Or new clothes or new furniture or a new house or new contact lenses? Should we abandon them?
It’s too simplistic to live like that and you’ll start avoiding normal life like celebrating other peoples’ birthdays, weddings and funerals. Jesus respected those things that others valued by taking part in them with zeal unless there was a specific reason not to. His general attitude to people, regardless of the spiritual benefit of their activity (like a feast, a wedding, etc.), was one of joyful communion.
You will perceive that there is appreciation in things that are true, beautiful and good. They need not be all three for us to have enjoyment in them, as long as they don’t lead us into a sinful perception, attitude and activity towards God and people.
If music, and certain music genres, weighs you down, then of course abandon it, but you cannot tell people what you think is their spiritual or moral baggage. Let them work that out between them and God, as Paul makes abundantly clear in Romans 14:7-12, 13-23
April 19th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
There are things in our life that hold us back from serving the Lord. It’s not rocket-science. Each one of us, if we are honest with ourselves, knows the things that weigh us down. It might not be sin yet, but it isn’t beneficial to us. Hebrews 12:1 makes this clear. The author speaks of encumbrances AND sin. There is a distinction. There are things that are a hindrance to us, and these things will eventually cause us to come to a halt down the road.
I totally agree that each person must work this out with the Lord. If it is the music we listen to, then we will discover it as the gospel brings light into our lives. It’s not for us to put our hands in other’s lives and try remove the things that are hindering them. Only the Lord can truly set us free and establish Christ in us as He disciplines us (Hebrews 12:4-11). We can’t do it by self-discipline and abstinence, but the Lord desires for us to be free to serve Him.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:07 am
I agree, but reiterate what I said on my previous post. You cannot equate ‘living in the light’ (moral and spiritual obedience) with abandoning things that in some cases have no bearing on either moral or spiritual life whatsoever. Romans 14 covers this.
What can hinder us but sin?
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Living in the light is about walking with Christ and having exposed lives in the church (1 John 1:5-7). It’s not about following rules and principles… this lifestyle ended with Christ’s death. Maybe I’m misunderstanding you though. Walking in the light is inseparable from denying ourselves and following Jesus, as we cannot fulfil our own desires when our lives are constantly exposed, and the result is that things in our lives that are not beneficial are rooted out. This is why Paul promises that if we walk in the Spirit we will not fulfil the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). As we walk in the light, the flesh gradually loses it’s hold over us, because it’s power is in darkness and secrecy, and we are more and more free to follow the Lord without hinderance.
Regarding what hinders us, take a look at James 1:14-15. We already go astray by following our own desires. It’s not sin yet, but sin is the inevitable fruit. Our flesh is weak, and we all go astray at times, and this is where I thank the Lord for brothers and sisters who can guide and correct me.